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7 breath-taking turquoise lakes in the Alberta Rocky Mountains

Elizabeth Chorney-Booth

Published: May 9, 2019 - 10:00 AM

Updated: May 13, 2019 - 1:50 PM

Alberta is a land-locked province, more known for its prairies than it is its water features, but the Rocky Mountains on the west side of the province are home to some of Canada’s most incredible turquoise lakes. These are lakes for admiring, not swimming in (that glacial water is pretty frosty, even in the summer months), but simply gazing upon those cool blue waters is good for the soul.

Lake Louise

One of Alberta’s most globally famous landmarks, Lake Louise gets a lot of fanfare — and it deserves every bit of it. The most accessible of Alberta’s turquoise lakes, you can practically drive right up to Lake Louise (there’s ample parking — though it can get very busy, especially in the summer). In the winter you can skate on it or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around its shores. In the summer, rent a canoe or hike up the surrounding mountains for a bird’s eye view. The Chateau Lake Louise sits right on the lake — pop in for afternoon tea or a bite to eat if you can tear yourself away from the lake itself.

Moraine Lake

Just next door to Lake Louise, and sitting in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is one of Banff National Park’s most popular hiking spots — thanks to its natural beauty (and partially to an appearance on the Ellen show). Hike up the Rockpile Trail for the very best views of the pristine turquoise waters — which are at their most brilliant in late June through mid-August.

A boat cruises along Lake Minnewanka [Brewster Travel Canada]

Lake Minnewanka

Conveniently located near the Banff town site, Lake Minnewanka is easy to get to and is a popular picnic site for both locals and visitors. The only lake within Banff National Park to allow (the very limited use) of power boats, this is where you can actually get out on the water for a boat tour. It’s also a nice spot for a canoe or kayak expedition and you’ll often see scuba divers in the lake looking for the remnants of a now flooded resort town.

Peyto Lake

Of all of the turquoise lakes in Alberta, Peyto is possibly the most mind-blowingly brilliant. It’s just north of Lake Louise, on the way to Jasper National Park via the Icefields Parkway. The intense blue comes from the flow of glacier rock flour and you can see the whole thing from a nice viewpoint just off of the main road.

Maligne Lake

Located up in Jasper, Maligne Lake is another one where you can take a lake cruise to beautiful Spirit Island for a truly pristine lake experience. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available, but Spirit Island cannot be accessed by land, so you really ought to get yourself out on the water.

Grassi Lakes is a fun family hike [Adriano Lopes @adrilopes]

Grassi Lakes

If you want a hike that offers a lot of bang for your buck, Grassi Lakes Trail is for you. You don’t have to be an alpine athlete to conquer this family-friendly hike near Canmore (it’s more like a walk, really) and at the end you’re find two beautiful turquoise lakes. Take a slightly more difficult trail and you’ll also come across a waterfall.

Boundary Lake

Boundary Lake s located near the Columbia Icefields, so you know this is glacier fresh water. It’s a bit of a hike to get there (budget about an hour and a half for a return trip), but it’s definitely worth the effort.